| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| | The '''octopus''' is one of a number of kinds of predatory marine [[cephalopod]] [[mollusc]]s, found in the warmer seas of the world. | | The '''octopus''' is one of a number of kinds of predatory marine [[cephalopod]] [[mollusc]]s, found in the warmer seas of the world. |
| | | | |
| − | Generally less actively swimming than their fellow cephalopods [[squid]] and [[cuttlefish]], octopuses have eight suckered [[tentacle]]s used for attachment to rocks and to prey. To move, it may pull itself over the sea bed with its tentacles, but when in a hurry, it shoots a jet of water out of its body, thrusting it through the water. | + | Generally less actively swimming than their fellow cephalopods [[squid]] and [[cuttlefish]], octopi have eight suckered [[tentacle]]s used for attachment to rocks and to prey. To move, it may pull itself over the sea bed with its tentacles, but when in a hurry, it shoots a jet of water out of its body, thrusting it through the water. |
| | | | |
| − | Octopuses use [[chromatophore]]s to perfectly camouflage themselves against their background. When threatened, it can eject a cloud of ink to mask its escape.
| + | Octopi use [[chromatophore]]s to perfectly camouflage themselves against their background. When threatened, they can eject a cloud of ink to mask their escape. |
| | | | |
| − | Octopuses are highly intelligent, and are capable of opening jars and solving simple puzzles. They can compress their bodies to fit through minute apertures.
| + | Octopi are highly intelligent, and are capable of opening jars and solving simple puzzles. They can compress their bodies to fit through minute apertures. |
| | | | |
| − | Octopuses, having engulfed their prey in their arms, inject it with venom, and some, such as the blue-ringed octopus of Australia are highly poisonous and are capable of killing a man with their bite.
| + | Octopi, having engulfed their prey in their arms, inject it with venom, and some, such as the blue-ringed octopus of Australia are highly poisonous and are capable of killing a man with their bite. |
| | | | |
| − | The existence of giant arboreal octopuses, on a scale similar to the [[giant squid]], has been suspected for many years, but no verified specimens have yet been captured. | + | The existence of giant arboreal octopi, on a scale similar to the [[giant squid]], has been suspected for many years, but no verified specimens have yet been captured. |
| | | | |
| | Octopuses are a popular seafood especially in [[Mediterranean]] cuisine, though must be cooked carefully to avoid their flesh becoming rubbery. | | Octopuses are a popular seafood especially in [[Mediterranean]] cuisine, though must be cooked carefully to avoid their flesh becoming rubbery. |